The Symbolism of ~ For Those That Walked Before Us

My latest work is a Mixed Media piece that was inspired by a black and white  postcard that I had picked up over a year ago. I've kept it close in my pile of things treasured for some reason, not really knowing why I was so attracted to it.

Looking at the postcard, I continually asked myself, "Who was she?" "How many came after her?" "Do they keep her traditions alive?" And so finally with an empty canvas staring at me, I began.

I wanted to create a piece that showed the old and the new, the elder and the young one. Bringing the space of time was important to me.

So, the piece began with attaching  a few small torn images of the "ancient ones". Layers of paint in bold colors began to be brought in, with a dripping technique added to represent "Time" passing.

The Crow is added, at first because I saw an outline of him between the layers and paint strokes, and felt he needed to appear...as the Messenger, bringing the lessons and traditions to their future generation. 

 

The painting of the "young one" was kept in a more sleek and clean area, with light colored tan and cream colors to represent the fresh and new. A few of the paint streaks some down from above her, showing some of old in the new, the carrying of tradition. Next to her are a set of steps that lead back to the old one and their ways, a bond not to be broken.

I suppose that what was so important to me about the piece, was the reminder to keep culture alive, even in this fast paced technical world that exists today.

The original painting is available in our Artfire Studio here For Those That Walked Before Us Painting

Economic Times that are showing us all what we are made of...

A Shift began occuring two and a half years ago, slowly unraveling things as we knew them. A result of choices that had been made by the few, but impacted everyone in it's path. Our material foundations left on shaky grounds, encompassed us in fear. Some needed only make a few small adjustments, while others were severely impacted. Either way, I don't know one person that hasn't been effected.

The Dominos began to fall.

In it's wake I have watched so many people, of varying statures, fall. Losing homes, cars, jobs, self esteem, ambition, and their sense of Self. People have become frustrated and angry, placing themselves inside a bubble. At a time when we all need one another to lift our communities back up, I find many  have become self absorbed...driving as if they are the only ones on the road....pushing their way through store aisles with no regard if they are stepping on you in the process...their loss of self esteem now equaling a loss of regard for others.

Some have debated "Survival of the Fittest". I suppose there could be an argument either way on that, but I know in my cellular make-up, I don't believe that turning the other cheek on humanity is what we were supposed to learn from this experience.

We are all in this together. Each and every one of us connected in some way. When one falls, more will. When one steps up, the path is illuminated for others to join.

Our relationships with one another have been weighing heavily on my mind, and while I can't change it myself, by no means...I CAN stay true to authentic self.

 Because I will not allow these economic times to compromise who I am deep in my soul.

Step into your Warrior Shoes and Embrace your Life

Do you have those days, or maybe even weeks, when you just feel as if one day runs into another? When you are spending your day just going through the motions, or feeling like you have no control over the things going on in your life? While some circumstances ARE beyond our control, I believe we do have the ability to steer our course. We can prevent ourselves from feeling like victims, and be proactive in our Journey.

For me...I tell myself  to Step into my Warrior Shoes, Take the Reigns,  and Embrace my Life.

Important Thoughts on Reclaiming your Warrior

 

So much of this relies on Self-Esteem, and it's an on-going process. I find myself occasionally falling backward, and then have to stop and ask myself..Am I helping, supporting, and inspiring Myself as much as I do others? This is a huge one for me, because I can slip back into those old patterns of taking care of everyone and everything else, virtually leaving myself no time for nurturing my own Spirit.

I keep an Attributes List ~ A List of my Strengths, as a strong reminder of Who I am:

I am Diplomatic

I am a Strong Woman

I am Full of Creative Inspiration

I am Intelligent

I am a Peacemaker

I am a Networker

I have the ability to Bring People Together

I am Caring

I am Compassionate

I am an Artist

I am Philosophical

I am a Caregiver to the Earth

I take Relationships Seriously

Define your Dream or Goal. How could you possibly achieve it, if you are not entirely sure what it is? This is probably the most important step in the process, because it is the Beginning.

Putting yourself #1 in decision making. In the past I would have thought this to be selfish...but I have come to learn... who better to take care of me, than me?

Be your own Life Coach. Cheer yourself on when you are accomplishing your goals, and inspire yourself when there are challenges.

Manage your relationships, and attract people into your life that are positive forces.

Ask yourself...Do my actions match my dreams? Am I actually taking steps to realize my goals?

Don't compare your journey or status to that of others. As soon as we do this, we set up ourselves up for feeling as if we are lacking. Each of our journeys are different and rich in their own ways.

A long time ago when I was meeting a friend, as soon as he saw me said..."Watch out, her hair is up. Things will be a changing". And so, again...time to put my hair up and put on my Warrior Shoes.

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

Perseverance ~ We're all in this Together

I have been reflecting this past week on the economic slump our country (and world community) has been in these past two to three years. A lot of focus and debate has been had by the experts on why it has happened and how to improve it, but not as much attention has been paid to the effects it has had on us mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

I have watched people close to me over this period of time go through a series of changes to their spirit, that sometimes I don't even think we are always aware of consciously. I have seen some of the most amazing artists step away from their art, feeling a loss of inspiration and drive. I have watched friends with a strong and secure base have it yanked out from underneath them leaving them in shock. I have watched teachers put under extreme stress of keeping their jobs while at the same time trying to be an inspiration to their students. People losing their homes, that place where you go at the end of the day to rejuvenate and heal the soul. The loss of jobs, homes, careers, financial security, and faith has been widespread and harsh.

So, what now? I can't even pretend to know, except that we take it one day at a time, one moment to the next. That we reach down to the deepest core within us and know that this to will change, maybe not in the way we think, but it will.

This is the time to truly connect with our own intuitive sense, to connect with your passion, because I feel like it can guide us through this leg of the journey. Along the way, take the hand of your friend, and assist them. We need one another, now more than ever. We're all in this together.

Perseverance : Mare and Maiden ~ For Strength and Free Spirit

I look to Nature to help with a grounding balance when the world seems overwhelming. It can change your perception of things in a moment, quieting the mind so that you can re-focus. I look to the animal totems as reminders of attributes that can be helpful. And I Create in order to release, inspire, and share. Find those things that can help you find the balance you need, urging you to take the next step.

It is usually the simplest of things that can help us take that deep breath in and out and center.

Some of the easiest joys for me personally to experience that help me STAY me...

Walking Meditation

Visiting Gardens

Music

Painting

Potluck Dinners with Friends

Laughing

Writing

The Smell of Lavender

Movie Marathons

Connecting with Animal Totems

Helping those Around me

My hope when the economic tide turns for the better...that we find a renewed sense of ourselves and a closer human connection to one another.

Namaste

**My original painting of Perseverance is available in my Artfire Studio here Perseverance Original Painting

http://www.consciousartstudios.com/

 

The Birth of the Gourd

Gourds have been with us for at least 10,000 years, and it's uses are as diverse and wide as it's evolution. Native to Africa, they spread rapidly throughout the world. 

Gourds have been and continue to be transformed into musical instruments, drums, birdhouses, bowls, bottles, baskets, masks, rattles, jewelry....the possibilities are endless. They are known as nature's pottery, and are probably my most loved medium to create with.

The amount of work that goes into a creation is time consuming when you take into consideration the growing cycle, harvest, drying cycle, and cleaning before you ever get to the actual fun part of turning it into a work of art. Once finished, it provides a sense of completion like no other.

Bird Clan Gourd Mask

Gourdwork by Jeanne Fry

Healing Hands Gourd Art Bowl

Sun Salutations Gourd Art Doll

Kachina Gourd

                                                ConsciousArtStudios - ArtFire Artisan Studio

How Music Touches our Soul, and is a Part of Our Spirituality

“Music has no boundaries, culturally or spiritually. The endless attraction and love for music is felt around the world because of its abilities to make us feel. When a musician shares his music, he is sharing his most vulnerable and authentic inner self. He is opening up a sacred communication with the listener. In return he receives understanding. This very special art becomes the conversation in a beautiful way. Whatever the style or geographic roots, music can be broken down to the heartbeat, that which reminds us of the simplest and most basic of things in life.

The heartbeat connects us all, and in this connection we can find a peace and acceptance within ourselves and each other. It is here in this connection that we find our spiritual significance.

Music is one of our most treasured gifts. It is the Breath of Life and the Conversation with Humanity. “



http://www.consciousartstudios.com/NativeFluteCDsandInstruments.html

The Divine Feminine ~ Personal Portraits in our Mind's Eye

Everyone has a different concept or image in their mind of how the Divine Feminine is represented. My thoughts have been on this recently and I was inspired by a quote that I had read

"When you feel you are being moved by the creative spirit, you are in fact being moved by the divine feminine." Teri Degler

And so, my painting began and continued non-stop until completion of what I see in my mind and soul when I think of the Feminine Divine.

 


The original painting of the Divine Feminine is not available any longer, although you can order prints and greeting cards of her in my Fine Art America studio here Prints of the Divine Feminine